Ideas of Human Nature: An Historical Introduction - Couverture souple

Trigg, Professor Roger

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0631145346 ISBN 13 : 9780631145349

Editeur : Blackwell Publishers, 1988

Synopsis

The assumptions we make about human nature form the basis of how we ourselves live, and of how society is organized. This book deals with the ideas of ten of the most influential thinkers in the history of Western thought. Wars have been fought and revolutions begun because of some of the theories discussed. They form the basis of many important views in religion, politics and beyond, and as such cannot be ignored. The book examines the thinkers in their historical context and looks for their relevance to contemporary controversies. The author is a philosopher, but the significance of the ideas go far beyond the confines of modern philosophy. Of the thinkers discussed Aquinas was primarily a theologian, Darwin a naturalist and biologist, Marx an economist and Freud a psychologist. The book begins with the ideas of Plato and Aristotle which form the basis of much Western thought. Of the other philosophers, Hobbes and Hume still influence philosophical discussion, while Nietzsche's views have a powerful effect on contemporary thought. Modern philosophy is represented by Wittgenstein. The various thinkers have not been arbitrarily selected but each has strong links with many of the others. The ideas explained include perennial philosophical problems, such as the connection of mind and body, life after death, the place of reason in human behaviour, free-will and determinism, the relationship between the individual and the community and the problem of relativism. The book presupposes no previous knowledge of philosophy, and is an ideal introduction to the subject. At the same time, it provides an important survey of ideas that are at the root of every intellectual discipline dealing with human beings.

A propos du livre

Revue de presse

"Professor Trigg′s book is clear, accurate and absorbing, well worth recommending to anyone seriously interested in finding out what sort of thing we might be thought to be." Stephen Clark, University of Liverpool

Trigg s new edition offers the best introduction available to prominent approaches to human nature. It is lucid, accessible and comprehensive. The book will be highly engaging and instructive for undergraduate students from various disciplines. Paul Moser; Loyola University Chicago

The great attractions of Roger Trigg s book are its interdisciplinary character and its broad historical sweep, giving students a clear sense of both continuity and change in thought about fundamental issues concerning human nature. I don t know of any other book which rivals it in these respects. E. J. Lowe, University of Durham

Quatrième de couverture

Ideas of Human Nature presents twelve of the most influential western thinkers on the topic of human nature. This updated second edition includes new chapters on Locke and Kant and a new conclusion on postmodernism. The thinkers are all examined in their historical context and their relevance to contemporary controversies is discussed.

The issues covered include perennial philosophical problems such as the connection between mind and body; life after death; the role of reason; free will and determinism; the relationship between the individual and society; and the problem of relativism.

This is a key text for anyone interested in the theories that have affected the course of human history and continue to interest and challenge us today.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Blackwell Publishers
• Date d'édition: 1988
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0631145346
• ISBN 13: 9780631145349
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 208
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible